14 August 2016

#PokemonGo Trainer Travels Across America to Catch 'Em All for Wounded Warrior Project

"I'm a gamer, and I want to do something for my fellow veterans because there's no one more important than them," said Chadwick James of Team Mystic, which is one of three teams Pokemon Go players can join within the app. "What could I do? Most people don't understand the hardships veterans face or what they've been through, and Wounded Warrior Project is my favorite charity because it helps veterans. I decided to combine these two passions and hit the road."
Chadwick announced on Twitter that he would cross America over the course of a year, on foot, bicycle, and bus, playing Pokemon Go and trying to "catch 'em all," while raising awareness and support for WWP and the warriors it serves.

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Chadwick James poses with staff, during his cross country adventure to raise awareness and support for WWP. (PRNewsFoto/Wounded Warrior Project)

Over the years, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has had many supporters travel the nation in support of its mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors. These have included cross-country bike rides, visiting every Harley-Davidson dealership in the nation, and walking along the East Coast of the United States to name a few.

Now, a new supporter has begun a very unique cross-country journey.

"I'm a gamer, and I want to do something for my fellow veterans because there's no one more important than them," said Chadwick James of Team Mystic, which is one of three teams Pokemon Go players can join within the app. "What could I do? Most people don't understand the hardships veterans face or what they've been through, and Wounded Warrior Project is my favorite charity because it helps veterans. I decided to combine these two passions and hit the road."

Chadwick announced on Twitter that he would cross America over the course of a year, on foot, bicycle, and bus, playing Pokemon Go and trying to "catch 'em all," while raising awareness and support for WWP and the warriors it serves.

When asked why he decided to do this, Chadwick's sense of humor got the better of him.

"It's only because when I walk around, I want to be able to wear the WWP logo," Chadwick joked. "Seriously though, I want people to know more about WWP, what it does, and why. If I am wearing that logo, people will see it. People trust in that logo and what it means for veterans everywhere."

The cause for veterans is very important for Chadwick, who spent six years serving in the United StatesAir Force. During his service, he saw firsthand how veterans are sometimes treated when they returned to civilian life, and he saw the difficulties some of them faced.

"Veterans have a much harder life than people think," Chadwick said. "Most people think they are financially secure, but they're not. WWP is an extremely important charity because WWP takes care of us vets by giving us the tools we need to thrive after we leave the military. While I was serving, of all the veterans charities I saw work with other veterans, WWP was the one that always followed through on their promises."

To track Chadwick's progress and support his year-long journey on behalf of wounded veterans and Pokemon, follow him on Twitter (twitter.com/lost2avarice). Chadwick will also live-stream his progress via YouTube, which can be viewed here.

Along with Chadwick, millions of other Pokemon trainers have taken to the streets, searching far and wide for Pokemon. WWP encourages all of its supporters who are enjoying this adventure to stay safe, but also to check out Charity Miles, an app that donates funds to charitable causes for every mile walked.

To learn more about how you can support WWP while using Charity Miles, please visit www.charitymiles.org.

Every single day, wounded veterans face similar challenges when they return to civilian life after military service; the visible and invisible wounds have taken their toll on even the toughest members of the armed forces. WWP meets warriors in all stages of recovery and provides physical and mental health services, continuing education programs, and employment assistance training.

To learn more about WWP and the programs and services it offers free of charge to wounded veterans, please visit goo.gl/jmGAF0.